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A MetLife study, "Generation X: The MTV Generation Moves into Mid-Life” affirms what many know: that Generation X has become a sandwich generation, caring for children and parents at the same time.

The economy has been hard on this generation, which was born between 1965 and 1976, with 19 percent earning less than $35,000 a year, though 29 percent report earning more than $100,000 annually.

According to the research, Gen Xers are better educated than any generation that came before them, with 43 percent having college degrees. About half of those surveyed said they are behind on their retirement savings, but 66 percent say they participate in a 401(k) plan.

Most GenX households have dual earners and 82 percent say they own their own home. Nearly half of those surveyed say they have stayed in the same career throughout their working years, and a little more than 40 percent say they have stayed with the same employer for 10 years or more.

Nearly three-quarters of Gen Xers believe Social Security will still be there for them when they retire and most say they would like to retire at age 62 but believe they will have to work until at least age 67.

The survey of 1,000 Gen Xers was conducted by GfK Custom Research North America on behalf of the MetLife Mature Market Institute between Nov. 29 and Dec. 19, 2012.